My wife and I recently purchased our first motorhome, a Class C, a Coachmen Freelander 3100SO. It is a 2007 model, with 8500 miles on the clock. The price was right, the pictures were stunning, and after much shopping, we pulled the trigger.
The unit was listed on E-Bay, and everything seemed to be on the up-and-up. We made an offer, which was accepted. As we were making plans to travel to California (we live in Nevada) the seller let us know that he would only complete the transaction outside of E-Bay. Red flags immediately raised themselves, but we liked the unit so much, we decided to go ahead. After all, the seller seemed like a good guy, and, as I saud before, the pix were stunning.
Thinking I was doing my due diligence, I contracted with a licensed coach inspector in California, and arranged the inspection. The seller told me I was wasting my money because the coach was so perfect.
The inspector came back saying that the motorhome was "great", and the only items needing attention were sealant around the roof vents as well as a generator service call. Thinking this was reasonable, we got the cash, and went to California to pick up the coach. Upon seeing the coach, everything seemed fine and we signed the papers.
Within two weeks, we discovered a split water heater, a non-functioning air conditioning unit, an inoperative toilet, water damage under the kitchen sink, overly-dressed tires, hiding significant cracking along the sidewalls, and a whole host of other serious and expensive problems. Oh, also the water pump worked a total of one day, the tanks were filthy, and a number of problems had been addressed with duct tape. Additionally, the rear top of the coach exhibited evidence of having been hit and damaged. All this, after I had contracted to have the unit checked.
Since then, I have learned that the seller is a dealer, the unit was bought by him at auction, instead of being a trade-in as was stated, and the company has vanished, and has apparently been reopened under another name. There are also a number of undisclosed people and addresses involved here. I had real concerns that the pink slip was forged, but the State of Nevada allowed it to be registered, so that was a relief. Right now, my strongest suspicion is that the inspector did not even see the interior of the unit, and I further suspect that the seller, who appears to have substantial means, may have paid off the inspector.
As of now, I have contacted both the seller and the inspector telling them the myriad of problems with this coach, and asking them to make it right. I'll let you know what happens, but won't pubiclally name them, out of what is probably a misplaced sense of fairness.. I would, however, be happy to privately tell members all of the names and other details. We are seniors, both disabled, and would hate to see these people get away with this type of unethical behavior.
Sorry for the negative post, but we felt the need to warn others of this kind of thing.
I think a letter from your lawyer to the inspection company May help. The seller knew he was screwing ou, so he won't care. It seems like the inspector was asleep... Or worse
Alaska is next! Still trying to fit the pontoons to the RV so We can get to Hawaii!
I'm sorry to hear about your misfortune. All of these items would have been caught if a proper PDI was performed by you. Due diligence requires more than looking at pictures. Even if you're disabled you need to take a family member or friend along to help you perform the PDI which should take several hours, and be completed before any money changes hands. This same rule applies to brand new units as well. Hopefully others can learn from your experience. I hope you can get some restitution. Good luck.
Chrysler/Dodge/Ram/Jeep Engineer 2003 Damon Challenger 348 Class A - F53 Triton V10
Sorry for the mess. It would seem to me your best chance might be with the inspector. If they signed off with only notes on the vents and generator, are they not liable for all the stuff the "should" have checked?
Todd
Todd
1993 Ford E-350 pushed by a 1988 Wilderness 24' TT
Sorry to hear of your misfortune. I got scammed by the nicest older couple 20 years ago. Very similar situation. Maybe it was just a good lesson learned for me. I don't care how sincere a person seems, I dont trust any stranger.
However, it does sound like you have a nice rig. Maybe you should just chalk it up to experience, fix the problems and enjoy. Just a thought.
Good luck,
Scott
Scott, Grace and Wesly
2003 Dodge 3500 4x4, 6 speed Cummins (lightly bombed),
2004 Forest River 25RKS many, many mods.
H0NDA eu2000i
It seems like everything is against the law in California (except medicinal marijuana - go figure). There has to be some type of "lemon" law or something. Talk to a lawyer in California (may be more fluent with CA law). Good luck. Lesson learned for all of us reading this.
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD CC 4WD LTZ
2013 Keystone Sprinter 266RBS
I am saddened to read of this, because it could happen to any one of us. I would leave no stone unturned to right the wrong!!! Would I show a sense of fairness...people such as this do not have this word in their vocabulary!!!
I wish you the best of luck and please keep this forum posted.
Mike LeBlanc, "The Digital Guy"
Professional Photographer, Retired Art Educator
Sour Lake, Texas
Please be sure to file a complaint with the state Attorney General's office. Even if they can't help you, it's a complaint against the company and the names of the parties involved.....eventually, they'll get the jerks!!!
So sorry you had such a bad experience!
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